Reports to (role)

Assembly (functionally) - President (administratively)
 

Purpose of the post

The Internal Audit Unit has an internal monitoring function. It reports directly to the Assembly which, assisted by the Audit Committee, exercises general oversight. It also reports on a regular basis to the Audit Committee and the Presidency of the ICRC. It is independent of the executive (Directorate)

The task of the Internal Audit Unit is to:

1. Verify that the organisation has a sound system of governance
2. Ensure that the standards and principles of the ICRC are followed
3. Make sure that the internal control systems work as designed
4. Guarantee the reliability of ICRC’s financial, control and risk management data

Its work, which covers the full range of ICRC activities both at headquarters and in the field, is based on methods geared to enhancing the organization's effectiveness. In the course of its work, the Unit may also give advice and make recommendations to that end. It does this while striving to maintain a relationship of trust and transparency between internal auditors and those they audit.

The head of the Internal Audit Unit is responsible for defining the scope of the Unit's activities, for using the tools and techniques needed to achieve its goals, for planning ahead to ensure that it has the resources it requires, for submitting an annual audit plan to the Assembly, for carrying out that plan, and for communicating the results to the appropriate bodies.

As head of unit, he/she will serve as secretary of the Audit Committee.

The head of the Internal Audit Unit currently manages a team of ten persons, six of whom are auditors.

Main duties and responsibilities

Under Article 50 of the Internal Regulations, the head of the Internal Audit Unit must supervise the Unit's work in such a way as to ensure that professional practices are fully implemented. 

The head must therefore:

• Obtain reasonable assurance that effective procedures are in place at the ICRC regarding governance, risk management and internal control mechanisms
• Identify and study areas that involve potential risk for the ICRC's principal activities, alter the governance when needed and provide recommendations in support of strategic oversight and orientations
• Comprehensively assess the effectiveness of the ICRC's risk management and its internal control system
• Point out opportunities for improvement and propose constructive controlling measures aimed at minimizing risk
• Ensure that the organization's resources are acquired in an economical manner, used efficiently and adequately safeguarded
• Examine the budgets, financial statements and reports by the outside auditor in order to satisfy itself that the financial and operational information provided is relevant and reliable
• Ensure that the financial and operational information arising from the ICRC's activities is communicated in a transparent manner, both inside and outside the organization
• See to it that the quality of the Internal Audit Unit's work is maintained and, where necessary, improved, and that the programme drawn up to achieve this is kept up to date and made known
• Supervise the drawing up of an audit plan based on identified risks and compatible with the ICRC's aims, and see that it is communicated to the Assembly, Audit Committee and Presidency
• Verify and vouch for the qualifications and skills of the internal auditing team
• Make certain that the Internal Audit Unit has the resources – in terms of knowledge, technical skills and soft skills – it needs to do its job properly
• Ensure that the assignments carried out by Unit staff are fit for the purpose, supervise the planning and assessments involved, and see to it that the findings are properly communicated and adequately followed up
• Maintain a close relationship with the external auditor and facilitate communication between the ICRC's insurers.

The head of the Internal Audit also plays a supporting role:

• By providing the Directorate with advice and recommendations on the basis of the Audit's findings
• By carrying out specific assignments from the Assembly, the Audit Committee, the Assembly Council and the Presidency – with, where necessary, the ICRC president coordinating these assignments and setting priorities.
• By thinking strategically about the implications of audit findings for the organizations as a whole and drawing the attention of the governance (Assembly, Audit Committee, Presidency) on emerging and recurring risks, including early signals and trends

As head of unit, the appointee will:

• Lead and directly supervise a team a team of ten persons, six of whom are auditors and take charge of the unit's organization, structure and budget
• Ensure the smooth running of the unit by creating a constructive working environment in a climate of trust conducive to dialogue and high-quality professional relationships
• Prepare professional development and training plans for the team members and be attentive to their future career prospects.

Education and experience required

• University degree or equivalent
• Solid, proven experience in internal or external auditing, risk management, governance and compliance within an international organization
• Proven management experience
• Experience in a humanitarian or non-governmental organization is an asset
• Experience in applied ethics and fraud prevention
• Good knowledge of financial analysis
• Certified internal auditor qualification, and experience in auditing internal control systems

Desired profile and skills

• Ability to think strategically
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Ability to set objectives and establish priorities to achieve a high degree of organizational quality
• Recognized skills in negotiation and managing interpersonal conflicts
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a high-quality working relationship with a wide range of contacts
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to analyse complex relationships in the context of the big picture
• Command of French and English (proficiency in another language would be an asset)
• At ease in a multicultural humanitarian environment.

Additional information

• Location :                          Geneva
• Type of contract :              Open-ended contract
• Activity rate :                     100%
• Length of assignment :     4 years (renewable)
• Estimated start date :        1st May 2020
• Application deadline :    16th June 2019

Should you be selected for this position, a background verification done by a third party will take place. Hence, by applying to this position you agree upon this.